There’s a change this weekend (Image: 1BSG via Getty Images)
Motorists will see a shift on the roads this weekend as the latest batch of car registrations rolls out. From Saturday, March 1, new vehicles will be adorned with ’25’ number plates issued by the DVLA, which will remain in effect until September 1 when ’75’ plates will take over.
In light of this change, online car retailer has issued a cautionary note to drivers about the law and how to steer clear of a hefty £1,000 fine.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at Cinch, emphasised: “It’s very important to stay up to date about number plate rules. Not only is it about staying safe on the road, you could land yourself a fine if you don’t comply. From design to visibility, there might be some surprising rules drivers don’t know about.”
Number plate rules as new ’25’ reg is released
Matching plates to your car’s age
As the new ’25’ registration is launched, Sheehan offers advice on matching plates to your car’s age and the correct display of number plates. He warns: “Those ’25’ plates might look great, but you can’t put one of the fresh number plates on an older car to make it look newer. Try this and you can land yourself a fine. You can transfer your old number plate to a newer model or register your personalised plate to any car, of course.”
Correct display of number plates
He also reminds drivers that all number plates must be made from reflective material, bear no background pattern, and display black letters. Front plates should have a white background, while rear plates should be yellow.
Sheehan has highlighted that since September 2021, there are strict regulations to ensure that license plates are easily readable by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras; failure to comply could lead to an MOT failure and even hefty fines.
Number plates on new cars change twice a year (Image: Steve Parsons/PA)
Font and size
The legality of the “Charles Wright” font is mandated for all UK number plates, with characters required to be exactly 79mm tall, 50mm wide, and spaced 11mm apart for optimal readability.
Sheehan explains: “Using the correct sizing makes sure number plates are easy to read from a distance and, again, helps ANPR cameras to recognise them.”
Changing spacing and rearranging characters
In terms of personalising number plates, it’s illegal in the UK to alter the placement or spacing of letters — this includes any modifications to resemble names or words, as well as any misleading use of screws on the plates. Non-compliance doesn’t just risk failing an MOT; it can also attract fines and points on your driving licence.
Flags and identifiers
Regarding displaying flags and identifiers, UK motorists are permitted to exhibit certain flags like the Union Jack along with the most commonly used “UK” identifier. Additionally, stickers showcasing the St George’s Cross, Scottish Saltire, and Welsh Dragon alongside respective country identifiers such as “ENG” for England are acceptable.
Motorists be warned: flashing the EU flag on your UK number plates is a post- no-no that could land you in hot water with penalties. What’s more, electric vehicle owners can flaunt an eco-friendly badge of honour – a green flash on their plate – but beware, traditional petrol and diesel drivers; mimic this mark and you’re flouting the law.
Sheehan advised motorists: “If you add a green stripe to a petrol or diesel car’s plate, you’re breaking the law. This identifier is reserved for electric vehicles only.”
Dirty plates and visibility
A matter often overlooked is plate cleanliness – keep those registration details grime-free and legible, folks. It’s not just about aesthetics; obscured plates can cost you fines.
And do check your illumination; a dark rear plate could darken your wallet too.
Supplier markings on plates
Remember, it’s mandatory for UK number plates to sport the supplier’s name, postcode, and the British Standard number (‘BS AU 145e’ for those fitted after ). These credentials should sit snugly at the bottom, reassuring the lawful origins of your plates.
Personalised plates
Personalised plate enthusiasts, listen up: fancy fonts and sneaky symbols are off the table. Your vanity plate must still comply with clarity and age-related regulations.
And don’t bother concocting anything potentially offensive or misleading; chances are, the DVLA’s ’25’ plates preemptive strike has already thwarted your ploy.
Sheehan elaborated: “Every new plate launch comes with a full list of banned combinations to stop offensive or inappropriate registrations from hitting the roads.”
When snapping up a personalised plate, buyers must ensure it’s officially registered with the DVLA and properly transferred to their vehicle.
The UK’s five priciest number plates ever sold
Sheehan continued: “For some, private plates are all about making a statement and they are willing to spend huge amounts to get their hands on their dream number plate. Others see it as an investment, hoping their unique plate will appreciate over time. And let’s face it, for many, it’s just a fun way to turn heads and show a bit of personality on the road.”
Topping the chart is the storied “25 O,” fetching a whopping £518,480 in 2014 – known for its connection to a Ferrari 250 GTO that commanded an astonishing £30.75 million at auction and currently emblazoned on a LaFerrari hybrid hypercar.
Next, the “X 1,” plate, which could now potentially command a seven-figure sum, was snatched for £502,500 in 2012 – an ideal match for BMW X1 owners. Followed by “G 1,” a treasure secured by a fortunate Euromillions winner for half a million quid in 2011.
And then there’s the supremely suave “RR 1” plate, snapped up for £472,000 in 2018 and befitting a Rolls Royce. Lastly, the coveted “F 1” plate, which fetched £440,625 in 2008.
For Formula 1 enthusiasts, the most coveted prize isn’t just a podium finish but possession of the “F 1” number plate, which is currently in the hands of entrepreneur Afzal Khan. This exclusive piece of automobilia was snagged by Khan for a cool £440,625 back in 2008.